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UPSC Mains 2022 GS 2 Question Paper (General Studies II)

All 20 questions from the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2022 General Studies II paper, transcribed from the official question paper and tagged by syllabus topic. Format: 150 words (Q1–10, 10 marks) · 250 words (Q11–20, 15 marks). Download the original question paper PDF.

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Q1 Judiciary · 10 marks

"The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court." Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

Q2 Salient Features of Indian Constitution · 10 marks

"Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute." Comment.

Q3 Local Self Government · 10 marks

To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?

Q4 Parliament & State Legislature · 10 marks

Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Q5 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 10 marks

Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body.

Q6 Developmental Policies & Process · 10 marks

The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

Q7 Social Justice & Welfare · 10 marks

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment.

Q8 Developmental Policies & Process · 10 marks

Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.

Q9 India & Its Neighbourhood · 10 marks

'India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.' Discuss India's role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement.

Q10 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 10 marks

Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?

Q11 Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act · 15 marks

Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws.

Q12 Union & State Executive · 15 marks

Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature.

Q13 Federalism · 15 marks

"While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy." Comment.

Q14 Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries · 15 marks

Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected.

Q15 Constitutional & Statutory Bodies · 15 marks

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

Q16 Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger · 15 marks

Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.

Q17 Developmental Policies & Process · 15 marks

Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer.

Q18 Health, Education & Human Resources · 15 marks

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children's education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.

Q19 Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings · 15 marks

How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics?

Q20 Impact of Global Policies and Politics on India; Indian Diaspora · 15 marks

'Clean energy is the order of the day.' Describe briefly India's changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

GS 2 other years